What impacts the cost of French doors? In our comprehensive guide to French door costs, we’ll walk you through the questions and features we encourage all of our clients to consider.
Material
The material used to construct your new French doors is one of the most significant factors for the overall cost. While you can easily find French doors that feature inexpensive materials, it may not be ideal for the longevity of your door and home. Make a wise investment initially with some of these items in mind.
Vinyl
If you’re looking for a low-cost option, vinyl French doors are one of the cheapest options out there, but beware. As time passes, you may find that vinyl is prone to discoloration, peeling and cracking, and warping. A vinyl door may be fine for a short-term solution but will not stand the test of time.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a better option than vinyl if you want high-quality French doors within a reasonable budget. They are lightweight, very durable, and require minimal maintenance to function at their best over the years to come.
The only downside is that it’s a poor insulator which adversely affects energy efficiency. If you want an aluminum door that will be more energy efficient, you can opt for a thermal break. Doors that are thermally broken are a bit more expensive upfront, but they save on energy and utilities over time.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass can be an inexpensive option for your French doors, especially if you intend to pursue customization. A quick coat of paint carefully applied can make a major statement that you don’t have to stick with over an extended period. While they may be less expensive than vinyl doors, keep in mind the cost of having them professionally painted every few years.
Solid Wood
A solid wood door is more expensive than some options, but it is also a classic style that stands out in the design of your home. If you want a timeless look with an emphasis on natural, classic beauty, wood is the way to go. Like thermally broken aluminum doors, solid wood options offer better insulation which can save on utilities.
Additionally, they are durable and resistant to wear as long as you work alongside reputable manufacturers that select quality wood.
Clad Options
Maybe you prefer the aesthetic and timeless beauty of a wood door but want the benefits and added durability of aluminum. Now, you can have the best of both worlds with a clad door. These French doors have an aluminum core and, as their name suggests, are clad in wood for the classic look you expect with a wooden door.
Not only do you get the lightweight strength of aluminum but you get wood without its typical upkeep and maintenance. The wood cladding strengthens the aluminum, insulates the door for improved energy efficiency, and controls noise. Any homeowner who wants their French doors to make a statement without sacrificing quality will want to consider a wood-clad option.
The only downside to a clad door is that they tend to be on the higher end of the price range. However, the increase in durability, customization, and energy efficiency adds value that will pay dividends over the years.
Size and Design
While the construction of your doors may be the first indicator of price, size is a close second. The standard-sized options from your local convenience store will be the least expensive because they are produced in mass. Oftentimes, this means dimensions that fall into two categories: 60” x 80” or 72” x 80”.
On the other hand, many homeowners desire a more custom look tailored to their unique home. French doors are a standout feature that can make certain areas of your home pop. If you want something that makes a statement like a set of oversized doors, the cost will increase accordingly with the increase in custom manufacturing.
Installation Complexity
The door itself may be the starting point for homeowners, but the installation of those doors plays a major role in price. Tight seals and evenly hung doors require experience and expertise from an installer. Price increases with complexity for scenarios such as oversized doors, customization, or special types of doors, including curved glass.
French door systems also look gorgeous with sidelight and transom windows for added light. These can be stunning design features that illuminate your space, but cutting new openings in the wall will also come with a higher price tag.
Glass Type
The glass in your French doors is more than just aesthetic. Instead, it serves a functional purpose that you may not want to overlook while shopping for French doors. Many homeowners start the shopping process by considering double-glazed or triple-glazed glass, especially for exterior applications. The extra glazing boosts the energy efficiency of your new French doors.
However, you also need to think about laminate glass, tempered glass, and low emissivity glass coatings which can all increase the security in your home. These high-end glass options will be more expensive but have better energy efficiency, security, and sound insulation.
Don’t forget that you may also want impact-resistant glass for hurricane-prone areas!
Hardware and Additional Features
Have you thought about the hardware of your French doors just as much as the aesthetic of the doors themselves? Handles, locks, and tracks are crucial to the longevity of your French doors and can make a difference in functionality. High-quality hardware won’t corrode or wear down as time passes, meaning that you make an investment once and it lasts for the lifetime of the door.
Consider hardware that will support the door’s ability to withstand forced entry. Durable hardware or multi-locking functionality helps keep your home secure, even under extreme duress.
Hardware also affects door functionality. While some of these doors (particularly solid wood) can be quite heavy, the right hardware makes them feel weightless. You might not even think about it, but professionals like those at Panda Windows & Doors can help you select low-profile tracks that you won’t trip over.
Find the Custom French Doors of Your Dreams
Quality and customization will contribute to the French door cost, but not without reason. While the price tag may be higher, you will get a high-value product built to last and personalized to make a real statement in your home.
If you want something that stands out, something that you can’t find at a local home improvement store, let Panda Windows & Doors guide you. Our expert team is committed to providing homeowners with custom options that stand the test of time. No matter what your dream is, we can make it happen.
Reach out to us today to start discussing how your new French doors can make a statement.
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